Make it so the main account it belongs to can't be removed/disabled, but can't be used to install new software, and location history can't be disabled.
Give owners a chance to reclaim it, but allow some degree of use over just bricking it.
I think the main reason for using activation lock is to make stolen products worthless. If there's a way to use stolen devices, then they'll be worthwhile to steal.
There's a middleground between fully useable and brick though.
Not being able to remove or use the main account and having location history always on would go a long way.
People can be trained not to buy a device where the main account can't be removed or the device can't be factory reset, and having the location unable to be disabled would deter a lot of thieves.
I don't want a middle ground, I want stolen devices to be 100% brick until returned to the owner.
If you want to buy & sell used Macs, you need to check them first to see if they are locked. Just like you'd check if the keys work before buying a used car.
- A stolen device that is 100% brick has zero value, so there is no incentive to steal it.
- A stolen device that can be used with some limitations can be sold for a higher price, so there is a much higher incentive to steal it.
Call me petty all you want, but if you steal my Mac I'd much prefer it to end up in a landfill rather than have the thief make money from it. If they can't sell them, they'll stop stealing them at some point.
Apple already have an owner-transfer service that I've used many times, the problem is how this would work if someone passed away.
It would make sense to disable some features, even if it's still in "stolen" status, so that it's not completely wasted.